Tiled surfaces look amazing – when they are clean. Showers and kitchens with tiled surfaces can get dirty quickly, and it can be hard to keep contaminant-free grout. When it comes to tile flooring cleaning, many people make DIY mistakes that end up doing more harm than good.
Home remedies for tile and grout cleaning are often troublesome. The safest option is calling Enviro Clean & Capture for a professional tile and concrete floor cleaning company that uses the right cleaning products for your tiles, keeping them fresh for as long as possible. For the spot cleans in-between your major professional cleans however, we have some tips to ensure you steer clear of harmful DIY household cleaning mixtures and maintain the quality upkeep of your tiles.
Tip #1: Be wary of internet recommendations on tile cleaning
We know the internet is an excellent place for information and DIY explainer videos, and it’s probably your first port-of-call for cleaning tips, but it isn’t always accurate. While you may think that a Facebook post with the recipe for an all-natural, homemade laundry detergent or deep cleaning solution is a great life hack, you need to be wary of the cleaning materials on all surfaces.
One example is the popular recommendation of dish detergent and vinegar to clean your shower or tub. This solution is fine for fiberglass shower surrounds, and glass shower doors, but is extremely bad news for your grout and tile. The acidic nature of vinegar will harm your grout and tile, which is why you should only be using pH balanced solutions on these surfaces.
Tip #2: Do not use a scouring brush for tile cleaning
Scouring tools are great to clean tough grime or stains, especially on durable surfaces, but they should not be used for tile flooring cleaning. It seems like dirty grout and tiles require seriously tough cleaning tools to clean them properly, but scouring brushes or pads will harm your tile, especially if your tile style features a smooth surface.
They are even worse for your grout as they can cause an early breakdown and likely not remove the embedded dirt.
Tip #3: Avoid harsh shower cleaners for tile flooring
Much like the DIY shower cleaner issue mentioned above, shower cleaning solutions you can purchase that are ready-made are also likely too harsh for your grout and tile. It is important to note that it is the solution that is the issue, regardless of the cleaning implement used, so even using a soft sponge with these harsh chemicals spells trouble.
The worst part is, these cleaners may seem like they are working well by loosening surface dirt, but it will likely be transferred from the tile to your grout. The tile will appear clean, but the grout now has more dirt in its pores than before.
Tip #4: Clean the loose dirt first on your tile flooring
If you fail to properly remove dust, dirt, and grime with a broom before breaking out the water and cleaning products, you’ll just be mopping it around. Collect all the loose dirt first to ensure you avoid scrubbing it into your grout.
There is a myth floating around that tile owners should leave soapy water on their tiles and grout to promote the cleaning. This does loosen the dirt a little, but the extra moisture is not great for your tiles. Drying water will harm the shine of your tiles. Dry soapy water, in particular, is tacky, which means it will draw in dirt, ruining the original appearance of your flooring. There is nothing worse than tiles that never look clean despite your best efforts to clean them. This is why we want to keep tiles looking new for as long as possible!
Tip #5: Know your tile flooring cleaning products
Bleach or ammonia products and similar chemical cleaners will likely discolour your grout. The neutral pH level cleaner that we mentioned earlier is the safest bet to ensure you won’t damage your grout.
No one wants gross looking grout, but interestingly, mold and mildew accumulating on the surface of your tile means you likely need regrouting. It would be best if you did not attempt to scrub it off, instead, place a call to the professionals.
Tip #6: Clean your tile flooring regularly
We know, more chores, boo, but you want to protect your tiled areas as they are part of one of the most significant investments you’ve made, your home or property! We recommend an easy spot clean every two weeks that you can handle yourself quite quickly, followed by an in-depth professional clean from Enviro Clean & Capture every few months.
This is the recipe to ensure that you get longevity out of your tiles and grout and enjoy a fresh looking space all year round.
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Speak to tile flooring cleaning experts today
Enviro Clean & Capture are here to help with all of your tile flooring cleaning needs and have been providing expert cleaning services to Sydney and Newcastle for over 20 years. We handle a range of surfaces and cleaning or protection styles and offer expert knowledge, fast response times, and above all, competitive rates.
Our highly trained team offers an after-hours service for your convenience and use the latest technology and products, all within an environmentally friendly process. While we handle tile cleaning, we also offer sealing and cleaning for pavers, concrete, natural stone, glass, and more.
There is no need to risk the damage and premature wear of your asset with risky DIY treatments. Enviro Clean & Capture will save you the time of having to clean while ensuring the job is done properly and of the highest quality in both commercial and residential properties.
Speak to our friendly team today for expert advice and a customised quote, and let’s get you the finest looking tiles and grout possible.
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